[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 8, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36836-36838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17951]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-145-AD; Amendment 39-10650; AD 98-14-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that 
currently requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the 
scavenge pump of the center wing tank. That AD also requires a one-time 
inspection to identify the part number of the electrical connector; and 
replacement of the pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary. 
This amendment requires a one-time inspection to identify the part 
number of the scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action, 
if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report of damage to the 
internal wiring of a scavenge pump that had been replaced in accordance 
with the existing AD. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of the 
scavenge pump, which could result in leakage of fuel from the 
electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, or 
electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor; these conditions 
could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well.

DATES: Effective July 23, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 23, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 8, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-145-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Hartonas, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems & Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2864; fax (425) 
227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 26, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-
25-06, amendment 39-10230 (62 FR 63622, December 1, 1997), applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. [A correction of the rule 
was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 1998 (63 FR 4).] 
That action requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the 
scavenge pump of the center wing tank; a one-time inspection to 
identify the part number of the electrical connector; and replacement 
of the pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary. That action 
was prompted by findings from a design review and analysis of scavenge 
pumps installed on certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that was 
undertaken as part of an accident investigation. The actions required 
by that AD are intended to prevent potential failures within the 
electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in 
leakage of fuel from the electrical connector into the main landing 
gear wheel well, or electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor; 
these conditions could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received a report of 
damage to the internal wiring of a scavenge pump; the connector of that 
scavenge pump had been replaced with a Lear Romec-supplied connector, 
in accordance with the requirements of the existing AD. The damage to 
the wiring has been attributed to that replacement connector's longer 
backshell, which provides insufficient clearance for the attachment 
screw of the internal ground wire of the scavenge pump motor, and can 
cause interference between the screw and the connector. Such wiring 
damage, if not corrected, could cause short circuiting and failures 
within the electrical motor assembly; such failures could result in 
leakage of fuel from the electrical connector into the main landing 
gear wheel well, or electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor, 
and consequent fuel fire in the wheel well.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    As a result of this recent finding, Boeing has issued Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998, which describes procedures 
for a one-time inspection to identify the part number for the installed 
scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action, if necessary. 
The alert service bulletin provides operators a choice of three 
corrective actions. First, operators may replace the scavenge pump with 
a different model scavenge pump. Second, operators may replace the 
scavenge pump with a scavenge pump that has been modified in accordance 
with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002, dated May 4, 1998.

[[Page 36837]]

(Lear Romec is the manufacturer of the subject scavenge pump.) This 
modification involves removal of the connector ground jumper lead wire 
and its attachment screw. Accomplishment of the modification will 
provide additional room for, and will prevent short circuit damage to, 
the wires inside the scavenge pump motor. Third, operators may 
deactivate the scavenge pump. The FAA has reviewed and approved the 
Boeing and Lear Romec service bulletins.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes AD 97-25-06 to require a one-time inspection to identify the 
part number for the installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and 
corrective action, if necessary.

Differences Between This AD and the Relevant Service Information

    This AD differs from Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, 
dated May 14, 1998. The alert service bulletin specifies that the 
scavenge pump may be replaced with a scavenge pump having ``a different 
part number.'' However, this AD specifically requires that the 
replacement scavenge pump be either a scavenge pump having part number 
60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or a scavenge pump that has 
been modified in accordance with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 
28-002, dated May 4, 1998.
    Also, the Boeing alert service bulletin specifies that a modified 
pump may be reidentified as having one of two given part numbers. 
However, this AD requires that the pump modified in accordance with 
Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002 be reidentified as Boeing P/
N 60B92403-51.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-145-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10230 (63 FR 
4, January 2, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
amendment 39-10650, to read as follows:

98-14-17  Boeing: Amendment 39-10650. Docket 98-NM-145-AD. 
Supersedes AD 97-25-06, Amendment 39-10230.

    Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes, line positions 001 
through 971 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent potential failures within the electrical motor 
assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in leakage of fuel 
from the electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, 
electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor, or a fuel fire in 
the wheel well; accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of the 
installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit, in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998.
    (1) If the P/N is neither Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 nor Lear Romec 
P/N RR24680, no further action is required by this AD.

[[Page 36838]]

    (2) If the P/N is either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 or Lear Romec P/N 
RR24680, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraph either 
(a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Replace the scavenge pump with a new or serviceable scavenge 
pump having P/N 60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or with a 
new or serviceable scavenge pump having P/N 60B92403-51 (Lear 
Romec).
    (ii) Deactivate the scavenge pump. The airplane may be operated 
with the scavenge pump deactivated, in accordance with the 
provisions and limitations specified in the operator's FAA-approved 
Master Minimum Equipment List.

    Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 
1998, refers to the 747 Dispatch Deviation Guide as another source 
of service information for deactivation of the scavenge pump.

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a scavenge pump having either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 
or Lear Romec P/N RR24680.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998. This incorporation 
by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, 
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-17951 Filed 7-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U